James Comey Knew About McCabe’s Media Leaks

McCabe shared more information about his contacts in media with then-FBI Director James Comey than was previously known.

In emails available in the FBI’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) vault that were obtained through a FOIA filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a government watchdog group, it was revealed that in the weeks before the 2016 presidential election, McCabe shared more information about his contacts in media with then-FBI Director James Comey than was previously known.

They also show that the former director of national intelligence James Clapper urged FBI Director Chris Wray to protect McCabe from being fired.

According to The Daily Beast, “On Oct. 21, 2016, McCabe sent Comey an email with the subject line “Updates.” Copied on the email were James Rybicki, who was then Comey’s chief of staff, and David Bowdich, who was then associate deputy director of the FBI.” McCabe began the email with an update on a cyberattack, then he began discussing the media:

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“In the more bad news category, Mike K informed me that Devlin Barrett at WSJ is putting together an article claiming I had a conflict of interest on MYR as a result of Jill’s campaign connections to Gov. McCaulife [sic],” McCabe wrote, referring to then-Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe. “I will work with mike to provide some basic facts to push back. And, as always, will keep you advised. I am incredibly sorry for adding to the drama on this.”

“Mike K” referred to Mike Kortan, then the FBI’s public affairs chief. “MYR” referred to Midyear, the FBI’s nickname for its investigation of Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server when she was secretary of state.” The Daily Beast explained.

Two days later, McCabe emailed Comey and Rybicki again with an update on the WSJ story, where he said: “The only additional notable news is that Mike K and I spent a good part of the day trying to shape the WSJ story on my alleged conflict.”

Over the next two years, criticism grew for McCabe’s corrupt work, and the president and congressional Republicans called for his firing and for him to be punished. This caused Clapper, who was a target of the president, to send a handwritten letter to FBI Director Chris Wray on Feb. 25, 2018, praising McCabe and asking Wray to prevent his firing.

The letter described Andrew McCabe as “steady, straightforward, candid, forthright, and honest.” And commended “his impeccable integrity.” The letter concluded with Clapper asking Wray to “use your influential voice to insure [McCabe] is able to complete his career and retire after his 21 years of distinguished service to the Bureau and this nation.”

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It’s hard to beat the pernicious and scheming acts of James Comey. But his chief lieutenant, Andrew McCabe, is a close second. Leaking to the media and lying to investigators is what got McCabe fired and a criminal referral.

Now we’re learning through emails that Comey knew a lot more about it than he has always claimed. Comey has feigned ignorance or amnesia (as he always does) about the media leaks. These newly revealed emails show he well knew and approved. So this is yet another blatant deception by Comey. He’s a master of prevarications and lies.

On top of it, the unscrupulous James Clapper, former DNI under Obama, was working behind the scenes trying to convince new FBI Director Christopher Wray not to fire McCabe. Why hasn’t Wray ever revealed this? Another reason why Wray should be sacked.